Question

Provide the formula for each of the following monoatomic cations: (a) cobaltous ion (b) cobaltic ion

Short answer

Cobaltous ion: \( \text{Co}^{2+} \); Cobaltic ion: \( \text{Co}^{3+} \).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Element and Its Symbol

Cobalt is the element in question for both the cobaltous and cobaltic ions. Its chemical symbol is Co.

Determine the Charge for the Cobaltous Ion

The term "cobaltous" refers to the lower oxidation state of cobalt. Therefore, the cobaltous ion has a charge of +2. The formula for the cobaltous ion is \( \text{Co}^{2+} \).

Determine the Charge for the Cobaltic Ion

The term "cobaltic" refers to the higher oxidation state of cobalt. Therefore, the cobaltic ion has a charge of +3. The formula for the cobaltic ion is \( \text{Co}^{3+} \).

Key concepts

Cobaltous Ion

Cobaltous ion is a monoatomic cation derived from cobalt. The term "cobaltous" indicates the lower oxidation state of cobalt in this ion. In chemistry, oxidation states help us understand the charge of ions. The cobaltous ion specifically has an oxidation state of +2, meaning it has lost two electrons. This gives it a net positive charge. You'll often see this represented in chemical formulas as \( \text{Co}^{2+} \). In terms of application, cobaltous ions are commonly found in various industrial and chemical processes. They are crucial in forming certain types of ceramics and are used in producing paints and inks. Understanding monoatomic cations like the cobaltous ion is important for predicting the behavior of elements in reactions. Knowing the charge helps in balancing chemical equations and in predicting how the ion will interact with others.

Cobaltic Ion

Just like the cobaltous ion, the cobaltic ion is a monoatomic cation of cobalt. Here, the key difference is in its oxidation state. The "cobaltic" terminology refers to a higher oxidation state.For the cobaltic ion, the oxidation state is +3. This indicates that it has lost three electrons, giving it a \( \text{Co}^{3+} \) charge. Cobaltic ions are significant in various chemical processes, notably as catalysts. They are used in oxidation reactions and are part of certain metal complexes which play roles in organic synthesis. Knowledge of the cobaltic ion's charge and its oxidation state is critical in understanding its reactivity and role in chemical processes. It helps chemists predict reaction behaviors and outcomes.

Oxidation State

The oxidation state, sometimes called the oxidation number, is a crucial concept in chemistry used to indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound. - It represents the charge of an atom if all bonds were ionic. - For monoatomic ions like cobaltous and cobaltic ions, the oxidation state corresponds directly to the ion's charge. Understanding oxidation states helps in:

• Balancing chemical equations.
• Predicting the types of chemical reactions that may occur.
• Determining the electron transfer pathways in redox reactions.

In the context of cobalt ions: - The cobaltous ion has an oxidation state of +2. - The cobaltic ion has an oxidation state of +3. Identifying the correct oxidation state is key for accurate chemical analysis and synthesis, allowing chemists to manipulate reactions in controlled and predictable ways.